Legislative Update Dear Neighbors, This week I wanted to touch base on a topic that I hear about regularly from suburban families, access to and cost of childcare. It’s something my own family works to address with a 3-year-old in childcare. Minnesota has some of the highest childcare costs in the country. The cost of one infant alone is over $16,000 per year. Many, like my family, are struggling to find services with room to take their children and providers are struggling with educator retention. In fact, over just eight years we’ve seen a 35% decrease in the number of childcare providers across the state. To tackle these challenges, we need more than just good intentions; we need a well-considered and comprehensive approach to create lasting change. Highlighted Legislation One plan to address the problems with childcare comes from my Democrat colleagues. The bill would require that families pay no more than 7% of their income for childcare costs. The state, in turn, would pay the remainder of the balance with increased programs, taxes, and government oversight. Unfortunately, there are no provisions addressing care provider retention, capacity, or availability. Further, this plan simply shifts the burden of cost to others, which doesn’t provide a serious solution. So, while your childcare costs may be less, the cost of living and the cost of taxes would increase. You’re still paying for it, but instead of paying your provider, you are paying the State of Minnesota. We need real solutions so suburban families don’t continue to pay more and get less.  Building Blocks of Learning The Suburban Solutions Caucus released a balanced plan called the “Building Blocks of Learning Initiative”. The solutions in these bills were developed after extensive consultation with childcare providers, educators, parents, and industry experts. They reflect a commitment to developing balanced and reasonable solutions that address the rising costs and accessibility issues suburban families face. These policies are designed to be implemented swiftly to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Minnesota families. House File 4349 seeks to expand the child and dependent care tax credit. The proposed expansion of the credit would allow families with two or more dependents to claim up to $24,000, with the credit phasing down at $150,000 of adjusted gross income and reaching zero at $200,000. The bill aims to provide additional funding and options for families and providers. House File 4776 focuses on expanding employer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for dependent care. This measure would allow employers to contribute up to $10,000 per employee to expand employee FSA accounts, provide additional resources to the dependent care system, and address pay and workforce challenges. The Suburban Solutions Caucus is also planning further legislation to reduce regulatory burdens and increase capacity, affordability, and options within the childcare sector. These comprehensive solutions stand in contrast to proposals that simply shift the burden onto others without addressing the underlying issues. These solutions better address all the priorities within the childcare system. By bringing down the cost, increasing availability, and helping with educator retention. All this can be achieved while avoiding shifting the cost onto others.  Community Matters: Recap of our 18th Town Hall Meeting This past weekend, I hosted my 18th town hall bringing our community together to discuss our top priorities. Thank you to everyone who came to discuss education, taxes, spending, law enforcement, mental health, housing affordability, and more. If you could not make it, please reach out by email or phone/text to share your ideas, thoughts, and priorities. Your voice has an impact on the work that I do for our community here in St. Paul, so please reach out. Thank you and have a great week |